FAQ: The never-ending election

Published: Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 5:26 p.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 5:26 p.m.

And bringing you up to date requires the clarifying power of Frequently Asked Questions:

Elections? Still? What are you talking about?

Don't feel self-conscious. "What are you talking about?" is by far the most frequently asked question on any issue. But do you see it in frequently asked questions roundups? No.

The unfinished business was an almost weeklong recount, done at great expense and effort to ascertain the true result in the school-tax referendum.

What was the result in the school-tax referendum?

It lost. Just as it did in the election night count.

Was this just a waste of time, effort and money?

We prefer to think of it as an economic stimulus. Those overtime checks come just in time for holiday shopping.

The recount cost about $35,000 but there was no choice. State law says you must hold a recount when the difference between opposing votes is less than half a percent -- or one vote out of every 200 for those who don't like to do percentages.

The only way to stop one is if a losing candidate gives up and accepts Election Day results.

But didn't the school system lose this referendum? Why didn't the schools call this off?

Well, given that it will be firing teachers and ending popular programs, yes, the schools lost. Unfortunately, the law only allows an actual losing person to cry "uncle." Nice try, though.

And then, everyone must prepare for a Dec. 18 special election to the District 2 Volusia County School Board seat to replace the late Al Williams.

And then there will be a special election to fill Seat 2 of the Volusia Soil and Water Conservation District Board – assuming more than one person runs.

Why have I never heard of the Soil and Water Conservation District?

Because it has few duties, no budget and its members are unpaid, these seats are rarely contested. For tedious legal reasons, the board can't be dissolved.

But hey, if you want to be able to say you're an elected officeholder, this post can give you bragging rights.

Was Volusia the last county to finish its count and recounts?

Not by a longshot. St. Lucie County started on Saturday its recount in the U.S. House race between Democrat Patrick Murphy, who had been declared the winner by almost 2,000 votes, and Rep. Allen West, who demanded a recount.

Broward County was the last county to send in its complete tally — a week after Election Day. Among the problems: 963 ballots were misplaced in a warehouse for several days.

<p>You think the election was over weeks ago? How wrong you are. </p><p>And bringing you up to date requires the clarifying power of Frequently Asked Questions: </p><p><b>Elections? Still? What are you talking about?</b> </p><p>Don't feel self-conscious. "What are you talking about?" is by far the most frequently asked question on any issue. But do you see it in frequently asked questions roundups? No. </p><p>The unfinished business was an almost weeklong recount, done at great expense and effort to ascertain the true result in the school-tax referendum. </p><p><b>What was the result in the school-tax referendum?</b> </p><p>It lost. Just as it did in the election night count. </p><p><b>Was this just a waste of time, effort and money?</b> </p><p>We prefer to think of it as an economic stimulus. Those overtime checks come just in time for holiday shopping. </p><p>The recount cost about $35,000 but there was no choice. State law says you must hold a recount when the difference between opposing votes is less than half a percent -- or one vote out of every 200 for those who don't like to do percentages. </p><p>The only way to stop one is if a losing candidate gives up and accepts Election Day results. </p><p><b>But didn't the school system lose this referendum? Why didn't the schools call this off?</b> </p><p>Well, given that it will be firing teachers and ending popular programs, yes, the schools lost. Unfortunately, the law only allows an actual losing person to cry "uncle." Nice try, though. </p><p><b>So, with the recount over, everything's finished. Right?</b> </p><p>Heavens, no. This weekend the elections office completes its state-mandated vote audit. </p><p>And then, everyone must prepare for a Dec. 18 special election to the District 2 Volusia County School Board seat to replace the late Al Williams. </p><p>And then there will be a special election to fill Seat 2 of the Volusia Soil and Water Conservation District Board – assuming more than one person runs. </p><p><b>Why have I never heard of the Soil and Water Conservation District?</b> </p><p>Because it has few duties, no budget and its members are unpaid, these seats are rarely contested. For tedious legal reasons, the board can't be dissolved. </p><p>But hey, if you want to be able to say you're an elected officeholder, this post can give you bragging rights. </p><p><b>Was Volusia the last county to finish its count and recounts?</b> </p><p>Not by a longshot. St. Lucie County started on Saturday its recount in the U.S. House race between Democrat Patrick Murphy, who had been declared the winner by almost 2,000 votes, and Rep. Allen West, who demanded a recount. </p><p>Broward County was the last county to send in its complete tally &mdash; a week after Election Day. Among the problems: 963 ballots were misplaced in a warehouse for several days. </p><p>Oops. </p><p><b>Is all this normal?</b> </p><p>Normal by Florida standards.</p>